UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Belimumab Shows Superior Efficacy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Meta-Analysis

2 days ago

• A comprehensive meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials confirms belimumab's superior efficacy over placebo in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) according to BICLA criteria. • Patients receiving belimumab demonstrated significantly higher response rates regardless of baseline glucocorticoid dose, with particularly strong results in those with high disease activity or serologically active disease. • The findings validate belimumab's clinical efficacy through an additional widely used responder index, supporting its use in SLE management according to current recommendations.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Show Promise in Slowing Prostate Cancer Progression

a month ago

• UCLA researchers found that men with low-risk prostate cancer who increased omega-3 intake showed a 15% decline in cancer cell proliferation markers, while those on regular diets saw a 24% increase. • The dietary intervention, which included fish oil supplements and reduced omega-6 consumption, could potentially extend the viability of "watchful waiting" approaches for prostate cancer patients. • While the study showed promising changes in Ki-67 indices, researchers noted no change in Gleason grade measurements, indicating further research is needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

Roluperidone Shows Promise in Treating Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

5 months ago

• Roluperidone, currently in Phase 3 trials, offers hope for treating schizophrenia's negative symptoms by blocking serotonin rather than dopamine. • Clinical data suggests Roluperidone improves global functioning in schizophrenia, primarily by reducing avolition, a key negative symptom. • Anosognosia, a lack of awareness of one's illness, affects about half of schizophrenia patients and is a major predictor of medication refusal. • Schizophrenia is increasingly recognized as a syndrome with multiple separable aspects, sharing similarities with other mental disorders.

2024 RSV Vaccination Guidelines Strengthen Recommendations for Adults 75 and Older

5 months ago

• Updated 2024 RSV vaccination guidelines now strongly recommend vaccination for adults 75 and older, while those 60-74 with risk factors should receive the shot, replacing previous shared decision-making approach. • Pharmacists are positioned as key advocates for RSV vaccination, responsible for patient education, identifying eligible individuals, and ensuring proper vaccine administration in the community setting. • A new mRNA-based RSV vaccine joins the market as the third FDA-approved option, featuring a ready-to-use formulation that streamlines the vaccination process for healthcare providers.

CyanVac's Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate, CVXGA, Enters Phase 2b Trial

5 months ago

• CyanVac's CVXGA, an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, has dosed its first participant in a Phase 2b clinical study. • The trial, supported by Project NextGen, will compare CVXGA to an FDA-approved mRNA vaccine targeting the Omicron KP.2 variant. • Approximately 10,000 adults will be enrolled, with initial safety data reviewed before broader enrollment proceeds. • The study will assess CVXGA's efficacy in preventing symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections over 12 months.

Atossa's Endoxifen Shows Promise in Reducing Mammographic Breast Density in Phase II Trial

6 months ago

• Novel selective estrogen receptor modulator (Z)-endoxifen demonstrates significant reduction in mammographic breast density in premenopausal women during Phase II KARISMA trial. • The study represents a potential breakthrough in breast cancer risk management, as high mammographic density is a known risk factor for breast cancer development. • Atossa Therapeutics' advancement of endoxifen marks an important development in preventive breast cancer therapeutics, offering a potential new intervention option.

Dog Aging Project Seeks Canine Volunteers for Longevity Research

10 months ago

• The Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a five-year study aiming to understand aging in dogs, potentially benefiting human health as well. • Researchers seek diverse canine participants, including large breeds, working dogs, and puppies, to study genetic and environmental factors. • A clinical trial within the DAP investigates rapamycin's effect on canine lifespan and healthspan, building on promising results in mice. • Dog owners can nominate their dogs at DogAgingProject.org, contributing to a large-scale community science effort with global research impact.

Probenecid, a Gout Medication, Shows Promise as Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Against COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Viruses

4 years ago

• A new study indicates that probenecid, an FDA-approved drug for gout, exhibits broad antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza viruses. • Probenecid functions by blocking viral replication within cells, demonstrating effectiveness as both a prophylactic and post-exposure treatment in animal models. • Current COVID-19 treatments like remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies are expensive and require IV administration, whereas probenecid is an accessible oral medication. • Clinical trials are planned to determine optimal dosages, with potential for probenecid to enhance the efficacy of other antiviral treatments.